Friday, April 28, 2006

I made my first byzantine chain bracelet. I had to make it from copper to test if I could do it, and maybe I will make one with sterling silver next. It is made from copper I bought at the Home Depot in the electrical section. I am not sure of the gauge of the wire, as it was just a multi strand of electrical wire that I had to unravel before making jumprings for this bracelet. Also, I cut all the jumprings by hand using wire cutters, as I don't have a jewelers saw yet, and I have the bruises on my palms to proove it! I think the wire I used is 12 gauge. I have been wearing it since I finished it, and I have to say that the weight on my wrist is quite comforting, although I can't help but take it off every once in a while to toss it in one hand to feel the weight of it, and marvel at the weave. This is such a cool looking weave and it makes me want to learn all the weaves of chainmaille.Don't worry, I am not going to sell this specimen as there are marks on it from the tools used, if I had a tumbler and could tumble this piece, maybe the marks wouldn't be so bad. I may keep it, or give it away to someone who really really likes it!

Sunday, April 23, 2006

I am both excited and a bit scared to have my first booth at a craft show. This show will be Sunday, May 7, 2006, 10am-5pm rain or shine at the Endicott Estate in Dedham. I have never been to a craft show, so I do not know what to expect really. I am hoping for the best. The 'rain or shine' clause, I am not so pleased with. But, hey, you have to start somewhere, right? I have decided not to update my website, during this time, as I will be focusing on making a whole mess of jewelry to sell. I will probably list a lot of items the days after the show, assuming that I don't run out (wishful thinking). I have been making earrings and bracelets for this event, as well as the necklaces I seem to be so attatched to. I also have some ideas about copper windspinners and beaded votive holders, but only if I have the time after making a wide selection of jewelry items.I hope everyone can make it, and that it doesn't rain!

Friday, April 14, 2006

As I was driving home from NEST with a check for 4 necklaces, I decided to stop into Emma's bridal to show them some of my bridal designs that have been living in my bag since I went on my bridal store search a couple of weeks ago. Well, after parking accross the street, and walking up to the ghost-town like storefront, I realized they have been closed for quite some time. I looked in the windows, and walked around the building, hoping that I was wrong, but alas, the store was empty and there was no sign of life. As I walked back to my car I noticed a pink and black sign accross the street. A store I never saw before. Cheeky Diva just opened before Christmas. A feast for sparkly eyes, and everything a girl could want. All sparkling and pink and black. The shop owner Jacquie, was thrilled to include my crystal line. We ended up talking for what seemed like hours and settled on 10 necklaces. Then she said that I could have a whole display case for my treasured jewels. I couldn't be happier! At first she was a bit concerned that there was a store less than a mile from her that was already carrying my designs, but I assured her that the necklaces that NEST is carrying could not be more different.

NEST is carrying these sterling silver crocheted necklaces in different colors. This image is of a necklace in Amethyst. They also have one each in Lapis, Malachite, and Rose Quarz.

Cheeky Diva is carrying a variety of swarovski crystal and sterling silver necklace and earring sets. The one that is pictured here is light and dark amethyst crystal, but the line has all different colors and styles.

Thursday, April 13, 2006

So, I was reading my sister Julie's recent blog and wanted to comment on what an angel she is. She was jailed yesterday by the MDA in an attempt to generate donations for Muscular Dystrophy. Anyway, in my attempt to leave a simple 5 word note, I got forced into creating my own blog. So, lets see where this goes.